Regarding microphones - AKG what - they make a lot of different models. The analog side of the recording is every bit as important as the digital side - the microphones you are using and the mic preamps you are plugging them into matter. If you're looking at a recorder or interface that is fairly current with built-in preamps (NOT a consumer-grade sound card!!) I'm sure they're good enough for most folks. I just hate to see all the focus placed on the digital end of the kit and the bits that actually turn the sound into electricity ignored or swept under the rug.